The Driving force behind “ The Next Phase “ is the singer-songwriter Patrick Cannell who on occasion is assisted by supporting artists Karen Sheader and Simon Reed.
Patrick began composing music in his mind at the age of 11. His mother bought him an acoustic guitar for his 16th birthday, “I already knew I could write music before I played the first note on a guitar. The task then was for my musicianship to catch up with my imagination.” Over the next couple of years Patrick had to learn the principles of playing music, as opposed to imagining the sound of it.
“Perhaps because I was a late starter as a musician, my playing skills, although competent, are some way behind my compositional skills. So midi is the ideal tool for me. You don't have to play like a virtuoso as long as you know how music works.” There were several attempts at forming bands and playing live but Patrick felt his true medium was the recording studio. He enjoys the lack of restriction a midi set-up gives him, “If I want a string section it's no problem.”
He is foremost a songwriter rather than a performer and does not confine his output to any particular style but many identify an “old” feeling in his music, which is not surprising as his influence draws from the rock and pop of the 1960's and 1970's. What of the future? “My long term ambition is to go completely insane but it's easier said than done.”
Lyrics
I WOULD LIKE TO MEET YOU
I saw your face for the very first time, Slightly blurred and yet sublime. Looking down from a giant screen, Slightly blurred and so serene.
And I would like to meet you, I would like to meet you. Or I would like to meet somebody like you, Yes I would.
I saw your face in an advertising space, Slightly blurred but full of grace. I cut you out and put you on my wall, Slightly blurred but there for all to see.
And I would like to meet you, I would like to meet you. Or I would like to meet somebody like you, Yes I would.
Could it be that this is destiny? We'll marry at sea and the paparazzi will pursue us, endlessly.
I saw you pout in a farewell pose, Slightly blurred and quite morose. I'll hunt you down and shoot you with my gun, If I can't have you then nor will anyone.
And I would like to meet you, I would like to meet you. Or I would like to meet somebody like you, Yes I would.
